Steering Shaft Assembly with Self-Aligning Torsion Element Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of steering devices with input and output shafts coupled via a torsion element is laborious and time-consuming due to the need for precise measurement and alignment, which is difficult to maintain during assembly, requiring complex devices and reducing achievable precision.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a coupling device that establishes a defined orientation between the input and output shafts before fixing the torsion element, allowing for temporary rotational coupling and ensuring precise alignment without the need for external measurement or centering devices, using axial movements to establish and release the coupling state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise measurement and alignment are performed during assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling device is introduced as an intermediary component between the input shaft and output shaft. This coupling device includes coupling elements that automatically establish the correct angular relationship when the shafts are brought together axially, eliminating the need for complex external measurement and alignment devices
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device enables the assembly process to be self-aligning through axial movement alone. The coupling elements are designed such that when the input shaft and output shaft are moved axially toward each other, the coupling automatically establishes the precise angular orientation without requiring external measurement or adjustment
2Manufacturing precision
If precise measurement and alignment are performed during assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is pre-configured with coupling elements that encode the desired angular relationship. During assembly, when the shafts are moved axially together, the coupling elements automatically engage in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurement and alignment procedures during the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as a mediator that translates simple axial movement into precise angular alignment. By introducing this intermediate component, the complex task of achieving precise angular orientation is converted into a simple axial assembly motion, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining precision
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling state is maintained during torsion element fixation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device establishes the precise angular orientation in advance during the axial coupling phase. Once this preliminary alignment is achieved, the torsion element can be fixed without requiring the coupling state to be maintained, allowing for more flexible and efficient assembly procedures that improve productivity while preserving precision
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing an arrangement (1) for a steering device, said arrangement (1) comprising an input shaft (2) and an output shaft (3) and a torsion element (12) coupling the input shaft (2) and the output shaft (3), wherein, in the assembly of the arrangement (1), a coupling status is adopted in which the input shaft (2) is rotationally fixed to the output shaft (3) in an orientation defined by a coupling device (5), and the coupling status is released before the fixing of the torsion element (12) on the input shaft (2) and/or the output shaft (3).